“This was the last step in the process of bringing the hotel to the village,” Village Administrator Dan Duffy said. “Now, we are moving forward with proper zoning and will move forward with permits and actual building.”

Local industry representatives have encouraged construction of a hotel in the area for some time. The closest hotels for business travelers are in Morris and Joliet.

Peter Fleming put together a group of experts that would bring the best possible facility to service the area’s need, said Frank Cortina Jr., counsel for the project.

“They have shown the property numerous times and put together a group that could make this a reality,” Cortina said. “They will fight to make sure Minooka gets a great product.”

The hotel, owned by parent company Hilton, is expected to serve between 20,000 and 30,000 people a year, bring in 150 temporary tradesmen jobs during construction and 25 to 30 long-range jobs ranging from management to housekeeping.

“The benefit to the community is going to be the tax dollars that will come from the hotel patrons who will be spending money in the community,” Michael Fleming said.

The facility’s incentive package includes a three-year, 50 percent real estate tax abatement equaling about $240,000; waiver of village building permit fees between $15,000 and $25,000; and a 90 percent rebate of the hotel tax for 10 years or until the total incentive package, including tax rebates and fee waivers, totals $1.5 million, whichever comes first.

“The village has been fabulous,” Mike Fleming said. “They are one of the most business-friendly communities in Illinois.”

“It’s a nice addition for our community,” Duffy said. “They are not only an asset but will bring in more restaurants, hotels and businesses associated with the hotel.”

Ordinance sets regulations for cannabis facilities

Village trustees unanimously approved an ordinance that sets the parameters and regulations for medical marijuana cultivation centers and dispensing organizations.

With the passage of the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act in Illinois effective Jan. 1, many municipalities are creating proper zoning laws to cover where they can be located, Duffy said.

The ordinance specifies the distance such facilities must be from places like public parks, churches, schools and day care facilities.

The state act allows a maximum of 22 medical cannabis cultivation centers and 60 dispensing organizations in Illinois. There currently are no plans for either type of center for Minooka.

“By law you have to have zoning for these facilities,” Duffy said.

In other business, trustees approved the refinancing of $3.4 million in general obligation bonds and $3.4 million in waterworks and sewerage system revenue bonds to lower the interest rates.

Low bidder Narvick Brothers was also awarded the village hall community room renovation project for $1,118,000 and the locker and restroom project for $226,000.